Contra-indications, Contra Actions & Examples Benefits
A contra indication is a reason to with hold or adapt a treatment so as not to cause harm or spread infection. For example, if your customer had any diseases or disorders of the skin or area that you wish to treat.
As you check your clients record card you should look out for any reasons that may require you to with hold or adapt the treatment.
Contra indications for ear candling would include:
Partial contra indications include:
- Area’s of recent scar tissue
- Open Wounds
- Infections
Total Contra Indications:
None of the conditions below should be treated without medical consent
- Heart Conditions, Pacemakers, High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Recent Major Operations
- Severe skin disorders
- Contagious infections such as scabies, ring worm, verucca’s
- HIV, Hepatitis, Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Labyrinthitis
- Vertigo
- Menieres Disease
- Glue Ear
- Neuralgia
- Bells Palsy
- Stress if medicated
Conditions that may benefit from Ear Candling
Headaches
Headaches are usually caused by stress, tension, dehydration, fatigue, hormones or allergies. The warmth and sound of the candle burning will help to relax the client relieving tension in the jaw and face. The facial and scalp massage improve circulation increasing oxygen reaching the head and facial muscles.
Migraine
Caused by spasm and dilation of the blood vessels to the head, unknown cause. Vomiting and sensitivity to light sound and movement can also be a symptom. The stress relieving treatment will help to ease symptoms as well as increased circulation. Regular treatments would be very beneficial.
Sinusitis
Infection and inflammation of the sinuses, can be caused by the common cold or infection of the teeth. It can cause swelling and pain across the face and cause headaches. The infusion of herbs and warmth of the candle help to loosen any compact ear wax, removing infected material and sooth the nerve endings in the sinuses. Lymph drainage and pressure point massage will also help to reduce swelling and pain.
Colds/Sore Throat
Do not treat while acute, but the ear candling can help when the worst of the cold or sore throat is over. The herbal infusion within the candles contain anti inflammatory ingredients such as honey which will sooth symptoms and clear the Eustachian tube, sinuses and nose and raise immunity.
Hay Fever/Rhinitis
Inflammation of the mucus membranes causes the nose to stream. Can be caused by colds, allergies such as dust allergy, chronic bacterial infections or external pollutants. As above, but with the added benefit of reducing the affects of allergens.
Snoring
Only to be used for minor snoring conditions that is not being caused by respiratory conditions. Can be a sign of congestion. Being overweight also has an effect due to the vibration of the soft palate being increased by extra weight around the throat. Candling the ears helps to clear the upper airways and reduces the need for you to sleep with your mouth open causing the soft palate to vibrate causing snoring.
Tinnitus
Constant or intermittent ringing in the ears, can be caused by excessive ear wax or recent trauma to the head or ears, excessive neck & head tension caused by stress (reducing blood flow). The warmth and increased blood flow to the ear via circulation will reduce tension in the head and neck and will help to reduce symptoms – unless due to an injury where clients may still see an improvement.
Candida/Oral Thrush
Oral thrush can be caused by long term stress, sugary diet, antibiotics. The itching and infection can also affect the ear canal. The antibiotic affects of the honey and essential oils help reduce symptoms. This condition will still also need to be treated medically.
Excessive Ear Wax
This can cause discomfort and affect the hearing. Herbal vapours and warmth help to soften the wax, and usually within 48hrs an improvement will be noticed, and eventually the wax will come out naturally. The massage movements will also help to loosen and dislodge the compacted wax.
Ear Ache
Otitis Externa – Outer ear infection cause by a number of things – Sinisitus, trauma, skin infection, eczema, inflamed tonsils.
Otitis Media – Middle Ear Infection – Caused by infection of the eustation tube, nose or throat. Can be very painful and also affect the ear drum.
Otitis Interna – Inner Ear Infection – Serious condition many possible causes including labyrinthitis.
If the infection is present the client cannot be treated.
A GP Note is required for the following conditions:
Labrynthitis – Inflammation of the inner ear canals causing vertigo, vomiting, hearing loss, and tinnitus
Vertigo – Can be caused by labyrinthitis, or caused by the semi circular canals or the nerves of the inner ear.
Menieres Disease – Affecting the inner ear caused by damage to the cochlelear/too much fluid or damage in the labyrinth canals.
Glue Ear – Usually seen in children excessive fluid in the otitis media (middle ear), often triggered by respiratory tract infection.
Neuralgia – Caused by pain from nerves or damage in the face.
Bells Palsy – As above but can also be caused by a tumor, otitis interna, dental problems or surgery and includes paralysis or weakness of the face where the nerve is affected.
Stress – If medicated or a frequent flyer.
Contra Actions
A contra action is something that occurs during or after a treatment
- Change of temperature
- Lowered Blood Pressure
- Sweating
- Aching Muscles
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst / urination
- Headaches
- Emotional ups /downs
- Cold Symptoms
- Erythema
- Allergy
Any severe reactions following a treatment should be recorded, and your client should seek medical advice from his/her General Practitioner.
Healing Crisis
A healing crisis can occur after treatment. It is described as symptoms becoming worse short term, before improving. This is a sign of the body healing itself and detoxifying. Should a side effect last for more than 24 hours the client should inform the therapist and seek medical advice.